Gautier’s Power Won the Rounds Even When Pulyaev Survived
Ateba Gautier defeated Andrey Pulyaev by unanimous decision on January 24, 2026, at UFC 324. Scores of 30–27, 29–28 and 29–28 rewarded the Cameroonian middleweight after his first UFC contest to reach the judges at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Three promotional finishes preceded a different kind of test
Gautier entered with three UFC victories, all stoppages, while Pulyaev had split his first two appearances. Both weighed 186 pounds for the non-title middleweight assignment.
Pulyaev began using front kicks to maintain distance, but Gautier dropped him with the first punch he threw. The early overhand right immediately established the danger of allowing the prospect into boxing range.
Pulyaev adjusted without removing the punching threat
The Russian recovered and used movement, kicks and a straighter right hand to stay involved. Gautier continued stalking and landing the more visibly damaging punches.
Another heavy connection disrupted Pulyaev in the second, but he kept answering with kicks and combinations. His resilience extended the contest beyond the rapid finishes Gautier had previously produced in the UFC.
The slower final round still left Gautier ahead
Both reduced their pace in the third. Pulyaev continued switching stances and working at range, while Gautier relied heavily on his right hand and added occasional kicks.
The judges awarded Gautier his fourth UFC victory. The decision preserved his momentum while providing a different competitive experience: managing a full fifteen minutes against an opponent who survived the early damage and continued making adjustments.
Sources
- UFC: official scorecards and stoppages
- UFC: January 24 Las Vegas event and weights
- Cageside Press: opening knockdown and Pulyaev’s adjustments
